Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe You’ll Absolutely Love

Are you craving a meal that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavour? This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the perfect solution! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savoury goodness, it’s a dish that can easily become a family favourite. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner after a busy day or want to impress guests at your next dinner party, this recipe checks all the boxes. With just a few simple ingredients like Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, you can transform a basic chicken breast into a restaurant-worthy meal. Ready to dive into a delicious and satisfying recipe? Let’s get started!

Benefits of Parmesan Crusted Chicken

There’s a reason why Parmesan Crusted Chicken has become such a favourite in kitchens everywhere. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also offers several key benefits:

• Healthy and High in Protein: Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, making this dish a great choice for those looking to eat healthy without sacrificing flavour.
• Crispy Texture: The breadcrumb and Parmesan crust give the chicken a satisfying crunch, adding texture and flavour with every bite.
• Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for a quick chicken dinner that you can make in 30 minutes or less.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the seasoning to your liking or try different variations, ensuring it works with any preference.
• Family-Friendly: Whether you have picky eaters or foodies, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Before diving into the fun part — cooking — let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe:

For the Breading:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ⅔ cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs (I recommend using Progresso)
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, parsley, chives, or rosemary)

For the Chicken:

• 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds), pounded to ¼“ thickness (see note)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup olive oil (for frying)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions for Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create a perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken that’s crispy, golden, and delicious.

1. Set up your breading station: Start by setting up three large shallow bowls in an assembly line:
   • In the first bowl, add the flour.
   • In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
   • In the third bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Mix well.
2. Prepare the chicken: Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, dredge each breast through the flour, shaking off the excess and ensuring a light coating. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess egg drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it’s evenly covered. Place the breaded chicken on a plate and repeat with the remaining breasts.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is golden and crispy and the chicken is cooked through. (The internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C.)
4. Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a couple of minutes to keep the juices inside. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Pro Tips and Variations

Want to elevate your Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken even further? Here are some pro tips and fun variations:

• Use Panko for Extra Crunch: If you’re a fan of extra crunch, try using Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They’ll give your chicken an even crispier coating!
• Add More Flavor: Try incorporating additional fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture for a more aromatic flavour.
• Experiment with Different Cheeses: While Parmigiano-Reggiano is the classic choice, you could also try using Asiago or Grana Padano for a different twist.
• Baked Chicken Breast Option: For a lighter version, skip the frying and bake the chicken breasts at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Parmesan Crusted Chicken is ready to serve, it’s time to think about sides. Here are a few tasty ideas to complete your meal:

• Garlic Butter Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers drizzled with garlic butter pair perfectly with the crispy chicken.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes make a comforting and rich side dish that balances the crispy texture of the chicken.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing is a perfect accompaniment to this dish.
• Steamed Asparagus: For a lighter, healthier side, serve with some steamed asparagus seasoned with lemon and olive oil.

Other Recipes You Might Like

• Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
• Chicken Parmesan Casserole
• Chicken Parmesan
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Conclusion

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a foolproof recipe that balances crispy, golden goodness with tender, juicy chicken. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for a quick chicken dinner any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it for a cosy family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.

What are you waiting for? Give it a try tonight and see how this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken becomes your new go-to meal!

FAQs

There you have it — a delicious, crispy, and satisfying meal that will wow your taste buds every time. Enjoy your Parmesan Crusted Chicken and happy cooking!